tcrote5516

Seen so many posts bashing or just plain writing off 97-00's as not worthy of purchase/not worthy of book value it got me wondering about the actual owners of these years. I am an owner of a 2000 and purchased it after doing my own research on the differences. I couldn't be happier with my choice. I've had no issues with the car and would buy a 97-00' again over a 00+ in a heartbeat (assuming the earlier car was a better mileage/condition vs. price). I've also had no EBCM issues and have engaged the active handeling on dry roads with some spirited driving. Am I alone in this experiance with my "unwanted" C5 because everytime I see someone giving "advise" to a prospective buyer looking at a pre 2001 and telling them to pass I just scratch my head?

1) Are you happy with your purchase?
2) Would you buy it again or buy 01+
3) Have you had EBCM issues and if so did you fix or leave it?

99 VET

Mine is a '99 TR FRC purchased new in early spring of '99. I am totally happy w/it. I would buy it again in a heartbeat (retirement gift to myself). I have had no EBCM issues. Interesting question you have posted, waiting to see responses.

kjohnson

Im very happy with my 00. If i were to do it again id buy a 01 up they had a few things slightly better. One was the off pass airbag switch.

peteinpa

I have a 2000 vert purchased July of 2014. I am very happy with it and would purchase again. Have not had any ECBM issues.

f6john

1. Yes
2. Condition is my only criteria when it comes to model year
3. No ebcm issues



My 99 was close to 11 years old when I bought. I wanted a hardtop and didn't want to pay a premium price for a Z06. I found a car that was optioned just as I wanted (no CCW wheels though!) and at a very competitive price at the time. 4 1/2 years later no mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic issues.

07street

I have a 2000 C5 and love it No issues what so ever. Couldn't be happier with it.

garline14

I am more than happy with my 98. Its a been an amazing daily driver the past year and half. I've had no major problems thus far but small things like headlight gears replaced, turn signals replaced with LEDs, and i did get the reduced engine power code. I take care of my car the best I can and she takes care of me in return!!

Martinez310

i have a black 98 convertible im very happy with it has 100,000 miles on it with no issues so far. people still give me compliments on the vette i just only wished my vette was manual though.

Chuck A

i am loving my 00 vert
very no problems, indeed
just hope i had more time to drive her though

Lazarus Long

Happy with my 98 vert, M6, 100% stock. EBCM works, although intermittant C1281 codes have me worried that the SWPS may have issues. Dad bought the car new, it has been throwing the code since then.

c5vetteguy

My '98 convertible has been pretty much problem free, except for the usual C5 foibles. Although the C5 generally got better year after year, there are a few things that seemed to have actually gotten worse with the "later" C5s. Some of these include:
Excessive oil consumption
Piston slap and/or knocking noises
Something to do with fuel pumps and/or filters being relocated(?)
Column lock issues

None of those issues have been a concern with my C5. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another "early" C5, as long as it's been treated well and properly maintained.

Hohorodshop

"My '98 convertible has been pretty much problem free, except for the usual C5 foibles. Although the C5 generally got better year after year, there are a few things that seemed to have actually gotten worse with the "later" C5s. Some of these include:
Excessive oil consumption
Piston slap and/or knocking noises
Something to do with fuel pumps and/or filters being relocated(?)"



My 98 is 17 years old and has had no issues. You gotta take all of the comments on here about the 97-00 with a grain of salt. You know the old saying about opinions......

All of these cars sooner or later will have parts that aren't available and I completely agree with the post above. As long as you enjoy your Vette it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

tcrote5516

This is great guys, thanks for the replies. This just sure's up my thought process on the "advise" givers with 01+ having no real basis for avoiding early C5's. If you don't own it, you don't have any reason to comment. Us pre 2001 guys will be happy to tell you all about them!

QCVette

I had a '99 FRC and loved it. No EBCM problems.

I still have a '99 targa and love it too. No EBCM problems either

I look for condition more than which model year.

There have been some improvements in later years (there have also been some problems with later years as posted above).

Loby 1

Before purchasing my '97 I read all of the dreaded misgivings of the early C5s. I started my search for a 2001 or up. Nothing impressed me as far as the condition and pride of ownership of those C5s.

One day I came across a troch red 97 with 34k on the clock.
It was absolutely immaculate.



The'97 was purchased in march 2013. I now have 49+k on this beauty and have enjoyed every mile of it, trouble free I might add. It has been from Boise to Palm Springs Ca. and back three times. It is a beautiful car and I smile every time I look at her.

Absolutely no regrets here.

jackthelad

Have an early build '98, purchased almost 18 years ago. A slew of issues under warranty, all electrical, all fixed. Pretty good since. I need to get the driver's door apart to sort out the control box in there, but it's hotter than the hinges in my garage this time of year, so I'll deal with it in the fall. Only actual failures since have been an oil pressure sensor, and both door mirrors went floppy on me. Fixed them in place until I get into the doors.

No EBCM issues to date (80k). Changed the fuel filter due to a moaning noise from gas cap area. Nice that it is external. That was a few years ago, no re-occurence.

This car is not babied in any way, just regular oil changes; I treat it like any other Chevy. It was my commuter car when I first bought it, and it gets used all year round, in all weathers, except snow. Gets washed about 3 times a year - silver cars are great, they just go grey when dirty.

SuperTom

Got my 99' 6 years ago went from 50k to 100k. Have had some issues that aren't uncommon to any year. Had wobbly harmonic balancer, and needle bearings from the rockers are the worst of it. Few small things oil pressure sensor, wiper motor flooded from clogged rudders, dim hvac. Thanks to forum all easy fixes for me. Still gets lots of love for a 16 year old car.

Big Vig

No problems outta my 00! Bought last year and the only problem ive had is the oil pressure sensor!

Milamo

I have a 99 coupe, bought in 2011 with 130k, Ive had absolutely no issues with it and I love it. If I was to buy another vette I would probably look at a C6 not because I dont like C5's but just to upgrade.

Fastbird

99 here and perfectly happy with it.